Come to La Garrigue and sample the flavours of the Languedoc, in the South of France. Beat the credit crunch with our special offers. At lunch times from Monday to Saturday order one main course, a glass of wine and a coffee for £14.50 or enjoy 3 courses for the price of 2 (£13.50). Sample the deep South's food, its terroir wines and the warmth of its welcome.
Calistoga Central
- Food served: Mon–Sat noon–2.30pm, 5–10pm. Sun closed.
- Pre-theatre times: Mon–Sat 5—–6.15pm
- Bar open: Will open bar at different times for groups or wine tastings by prior request
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 7
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Pre-theatre menu
- Music on stereo: Californian radio streamed over web
- Capacity: 80
- Largest group: 60
- Open since: 2008
- Average price 2 courses:
£11.50 (set lunch)
£19.80 (evening meal) - Pre-theatre price: £11.50
- House wine: £12.50 per bottle
Nominate this restaurant forThe List Reader Award 2010
This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.
Food and wine: life’s most perfect pairing. Calistoga gets a head start, with an astonishingly good wine list matched with an egalitarian pricing policy – charging only £5 above retail on each bottle. There’s a bewildering array of (strictly) Californian bottles to choose from, but the friendly staff know their stuff and help sort the Chardonnay from the Zinfandel. They’re two very different restaurants. The Southside branch is a much smaller space, with a fiercely loyal local crowd. Calistoga Central, which opened in August 2008, is bigger and popular with parties, with separate spaces for wine tastings. It’s not on the most salubrious lane in town, but there’s a warm welcome from the friendly staff. Both branches offer a monthly changing menu that’s big on relaxed, healthy Californian sunshine. A scallop skewer is as fresh as a daisy, with wasabi mayo adding a little heat and bite. Asparagus is unexpectedly deep-fried, which adds an interesting texture, but almost overwhelms the delicate flavour. A baked sea-bream is very nicely cooked, but ‘circle’ salmon isn’t as successful. The food is just a little uneven, though redeemed by excellent puds with accompanying dessert wine suggestions. In particular, a hot tamali jelly made with fruit puree and a touch of chilli has the perfect ‘wobble’ and fruitilicious flavour. While not perfect, either branch is intriguing enough to merit a trip to the Pacific Rim.
- High point: Excellent wine list, excellent pricing policy
- Low point: Uneven dishes
Comments for Calistoga Central (70 Rose Street North Lane, Edinburgh)
- 1. veggiefan – 21 December 2008, 11:10am
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Lovely tasty food, beautifully presented but portions on the small side. Staff pleasant and unobtrusive.
- 2. SaraD, Edinburgh – 8 March 2010, 10:41amReport
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Absolutely fantastic meal, the duck was perfectly cooked. Wine list was great, and the cheapest white by the glass very tasty for £3.50. I'll go back!
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